Every Kangaroos game so far
What's worked: The pre-season plan to hit round one firing on all cylinders. The Kangas are winning games they're expected to and have set up their season with nine wins on the trot.
What hasn't: It's not a major concern, but Ben Brown can be exploited when he pinch-hits in the ruck and North can lose some momentum.
Who haven't we seen enough of yet: Mason Wood. The versatile forward has impressed in his four games, but lack of opportunity in the early rounds followed by concussion means it's been a stop-start season to date.
Indispensable: Robbie Tarrant. Todd Goldstein is irreplaceable in the ruck too, but Tarrant is in All Australian calculations and no other Roo can stand monster key forwards with the same surety.
Coach score: Brad Scott shook things up over the summer after failing to win in round one from six attempts and – now a game clear on top at the halfway mark - the Roos' slow starts are a distant memory. His staunch defence of ageing warriors is being rewarded.
10/10
Big improver: Luke McDonald had a dose of the second-year blues last season, was brought in late for the semi-final and dropped for the prelim, but has cleaned up his kicking and is making much smarter decisions in defence.
Didn't see that coming: Nine straight victories to start the campaign. Some North fans still get nervous, but these Kangaroos win the games they should.
Non-negotiable: Having taken the opening half of the season by storm, the Roos' experienced group can't afford to waste this opportunity by dropping off and coughing up a finals double-chance.
Pass mark for the rest of the year: North has arguably the toughest run home of any side but, two wins clear of third, the Kangas shouldn't let a top four spot slip from here. That's the minimum for a pass mark, however top-two must be the aim. -
Travis King